Log Splitters Which Do You Like ?

[Rick]

We have a homemade splitter we bought locally we call Frankensplitter. I've been considering a back-up.

Which of these log splitters would you prefer? 3) below would run on diesel if gas becomes impossible to buy. Bio Diesel can be made. Has anyone used one of these DR splitters?

1) A honda engine on a 22 to 30 ton splitter from Northern tools or TSC about $1700.

2) This one seems too good to be true, about $2300 ...

http://www.drpower.com/TwoStepModelD...plitter_models


3) This one - dual action - splits in both directions- looks nice, and we have a Ford 1720 29HP tractor. Not sure if it would be better to "save" the tractor for the duties only the tractor can do - about $850.

http://www.drpower.com/TwoStepModelD...plitter_models


4) This is the gas powered dual action about $1100 ...

http://www.drpower.com/TwoStepModelD...plitter_models

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Silvercreek Farmer]

I'd go with the 3 pt splitter, no reason to keep up an extra engine.

[HermitJohn]

None of the above. Used stickler for between $75 and $150. Might find one cheaper than that, but not on a regular basis. It will outsplit any homeowner size hydraulic splitter and keep up with some bigger ones. Couple helpers, one to take away split pieces wood and one to hand you unsplit wood speeds things up considerably.

[Old Vet]

Most all log splitters are the same except for the motor. They are the ram and a pump that supplies fluid to it. The rest is the motor. You can get by with a 3 point hitch or one that will convert to horizontal or vertical with a diesel or gas engine.Diesel engines are more expensive. Get one you like.

[jwal10]

I like a 3 pt model....James

[Silvercreek Farmer]

Originally Posted by HermitJohn

None of the above. Used stickler for between $75 and $150. Might find one cheaper than that, but not on a regular basis. It will outsplit any homeowner size hydraulic splitter and keep up with some bigger ones. Couple helpers, one to take away split pieces wood and one to hand you unsplit wood speeds things up considerably.

Those things just look dangerous as he11 to me!

[jwal10]

I like a vertical/horizonal 3 pt model. Big blocks either vetical or horizonal and rolled up on the beam or smaller pieces right off the trailer or truck with the splitter up higher for less back fatigue....James

http://www.ramsplitter.com/hv163pta.JPG

[stormwalker]

I like one with a little gray in his beard and plaid shirts!
LOL
If he sings a little, that's a plus!

[HermitJohn]

Originally Posted by Matthew Lindsay

Those things just look dangerous as he11 to me!

Yep they look like something from a horror movie, maybe a movie called "The Impaler", but you run the vehicle in first gear with engine at a fast idle, maybe 1000rpm. That is actually really slow and very safe if you have slightest bit of common sense. You really want some old engine with lot low end torque and granny 4spd. Like an old Ford 300-6 or a large V8 or diesel.. I've used one with a little 4cyl engine and you had to get it up to like 2000rpm or it would stall out with the Stickler half screwed into a log. That is a pain and lot more dangerous. I also once got some crap piece of wood with no grain. The Stickler screwed into that and stalled. I had to cut that thing off, there was no unscrewing it.

Anyway if done properly and a little care, they are no more dangerous than a hydraulic splitter. And much faster than typical homeowner hydraulic splitter.

[Grits57]

This is the one I prefer::

http://youtu.be/wMeb2-TSzNU

[Fat Charlie]

Amazing rig! My favorite is a little simpler.
http://www.youtube.com/user/spoolinaround#p/u/41/2bVAAx3mMKY

[Qhorseman]

I have two Brave splitters, a 22 ton and a 34 ton. Both are excellent machines. Keep the oil in the engine changed and the hydraulic filter changed. They have been good dependable machines.

[Rick]

I love all of these babies.

[Jolly]

I bought a 3-point horizontal splitter from Harbor Freight a couple of years ago for $500. It has done all that has been asked of it.

I don't see the splitter on their sit anymore, but here is a vertical one from Tractor Supply that's not too expensive ($699):

http://www.tractorsupply.com/log-spl...asedPricingCmd

[Rick]

[QUOTE=Jolly;5387766]I bought a 3-point horizontal splitter from Harbor Freight a couple of years ago for $500. It has done all that has been asked of it.

I don't see the splitter on their sit anymore, but here is a vertical one from Tractor Supply that's not too expensive ($699):

[url]

Thanks for the link.

Funny thing - I looked at the TSC after checking into their 28 lb gas powered splitter. Many or most reviews complained about the legs, and several about how the hydraulic hose needed to use a work around of some kind.

[melissa78]

I work in customer service here at DR, and I have used the rapid-fire and the dual action.
The DA is my favorite.